Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC)
The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC) is the result of enforced efforts of the international community to internationally regularise the area of ballistic missiles which could be capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. The HCOC is the only multilateral code in the area of disarmament adopted over the last years. Is is also the only normative instrument to verify the spread of ballistic missiles.
Since the signing and entering into force of the politically-binding HCOC in November 2002 in The Hague (Netherlands) the number of signatories has increased from 96 to 130. Austria signed the HCOC in 2002.
As agreed by the conference in The Hague, Austria serves as the Immediate Central Contact (Executive Secretariat) and therefore coordinates the information exchange within the HCOC framework.
In order to create a link between the UN and the HCOC, a multilateral code not negotiated in the context of the United Nation System, a Resolution regarding the HCOC was tabled in the course of the 59th as well as the 60th and 63rd UN-General Assembly in New York.
Since the HCOC's entrance into force, eight so-called Regular Meetings (annual conferences) of Subscribing States of the HCOC have taken place. The 8th Regular Meeting of Subscribing States of the HCOC took place from 28 - 29 May 2009 under the chairmanship of Costa Rica; the 9th Regular Meeting is scheduled for 31 May - 1 June 2010 under the chair of France.
FAQ
What is the HCOC?
The HCOC is an acronym for the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC). It is a widely subscribed multilateral instrument that aims to delegitimize missile proliferation. The HCOC consists of a set of general principles, modest commitments, and limited confidence building measures.
When was the HCOC founded?
The HCOC was formally brought into effect on November 25, 2002, at a launching conference hosted by the Netherlands in The Hague.
What are its main objectives?
The HCOC aims to contribute to the process of strengthening existing national and international security arrangements and disarmament and non-proliferation objectives and mechanisms. Participants recognize a need to prevent and curb the proliferation of ballistic missile systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction, as well as the importance of strengthening, and gaining wider adherence to, multilateral disarmament and nonproliferation mechanisms. To meet these objectives, participants try to exercise maximum possible restraint in the development, testing, and deployment of ballistic missiles capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction.
Is the HCOC endorsed by the United Nations (UN)?
The UN General Assembly adopted on December 3, 2004, a resolution (A/Res/59/91) welcoming the adoption of the HCOC and calling on states that have not adhered to it to do so. On December 8, 2005, 158 nations in the UN General Assembly voted in favor of General Assembly Resolution 60/62 supporting the HCOC. The Code’s importance and relevance was reaffirmed by the 63rd UN General Assembly on October 17, 2008 in a new resolution (A/Res/63/64). The Resolution was supported by an overwhelming majority of UN Member States by a recorded vote of 159 in favour.
What is the relevance of the HCOC to Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)?
The HCOC complements the important, ongoing work of the MTCR. All states, whether or not they are members of the MTCR are encouraged to join the HCOC, which reflects the founding States’ intent to make the Code universally accepted.
How many countries belong to the HCOC?
As of May 20, 2009, 130 countries have subscribed to the HCOC.
What countries can subscribe to the HCOC: How does a country subscribe?
Participation in the HCOC is voluntary and open to all states. A country may subscribe to the HCOC by sending a diplomatic note stating that it wishes to become an HCOC Subscribing State to the Austrian Foreign Ministry, which serves as the Immediate Central Contact (ICC) for the HCOC.
What are the members’ obligations to the HCOC, financial or otherwise?
The HCOC is a political commitment that is open to all countries’ voluntary subscription.
By subscribing to the HCOC, members voluntarily commit themselves politically to provide pre-launch notifications (PLNs) on ballistic missile and space-launch vehicle launches (SLVs) and test flights. Subscribing states also commit to submit an annual declaration (AD) of their country’s policies on ballistic missiles and space-launch vehicles, including annual information on the number and generic class of ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles launched during the preceding year. The HCOC does not require a financial commitment: there are no assessed contributions or other monetary costs of subscribing.
Where and when do HCOC meetings take place?
The HCOC’s decision-making body, the Regular Meeting, normally convenes annually for two days in May in Vienna, Austria. For further information on the Regular Meetings see: http://www.un.org/disarmament/HomePage/ODAPublications/Yearbook/index.shtml
Who leads the HCOC? Is there a Chairman or Permanent Point of Contact?
The annual Regular Meeting is chaired on a rotational basis. The Chair of this meeting becomes the HCOC Chair for the period extending to the next Regular Meeting of Subscribing States. Hungary was serving as HCOC Chair from May 2008-May 2009. Costa Rica was elected HCOC Chair beginning in May 2009. At the 7th Regular Meeting France announced its candidature for the Chairmanship 2010/2011.
Austria on a permanent basis serves as Immediate Central Contact (Executive Secretariat) of the Code and in this capacity also coordinates the information exchange of the HCOC.
Who has Chaired the HCOC in the past?
Seven countries have served as HCOC Chair:
2002-2003 The Netherlands
2003-2004 Chile
2004-2005 Chile
2005-2006 The Philippines
2006-2007 Morocco
2007-2008 Bosnia and Herzegovina
2008-2009 Hungary
2009-2010 Costa Rica
2011 – 2012 France
[Translate to English:] Zentraler Kontakt (Exekutivsekretariat):
[Translate to English:] Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten
Abteilung II.8 - Rüstungskontrolle und Abrüstung, Non-Proliferation
Zentraler Kontakt (HCOC)
Minoritenplatz 8, 1010 Wien
Tel. +43 50 11 50/DW 3761
Fax +43 50 11 59/DW 3761
E-Mail: hcoc(at)bmeia.gv.at
